NEW YORK, January 3, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has learnt with deep sorrow of the heavy human toll of the stampede, which occurred during the New Year’s festivities in Abidjan. Initial official reports indicated that 61 people were crushed to death and at least 50 others were injured, most of them young people.

He offers his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims, and to the Ivorian people and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.

The United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has placed a medical team and all available logistical means at the disposal of the Government to help deal with emergency services, assistance to the victims and for the needs of the immediate investigation.